Windows needs your current credentials error on Windows 10

If you are annoyed with the “Windows needs your current credentials” popup message every time you log into your Windows 10/8/7 computer system, you are not alone. A lot of people face this irritating popup which makes them want to punch the screen maybe, because just like you, they too do not know why this is happening and how to get rid of the issue.

Windows needs your current credentials

If some cases the problem does not appear when you login using your password, it only occurs when you login using a PIN. The error message that pops up reads:

Windows needs your current credentials. Please lock this computer, then unlock it using your most recent password or smart card.

It can be assumed that the problem occurs due to only PIN login. But that is not fair. So, here is one way you can fix this problem. This fix is exclusively for Windows 10 users.

For individual Windows 10 devices

This solution is for standalone devices running Windows 10. Follow the steps carefully in order. It is simple. Just pay attention while you’re at it.

1] Go to the Start Menu.

2] Right click on your user profile.

3] Go to Change account settings.

4] Go to Your info and select Settings app.

5] Hit the Verify link and you will be lead to a series of on-screen commands that you will need to be ready to follow in order to verify your info.

6] Reboot the device after you’re done with the verification process.

This option is available only if you are signed in from your Microsoft account. If not, it would show an option “Sign in with a Microsoft Account instead.”

This is it for a standalone device.

For domain connected devices

For a system that is domain connected, you will need to take the Group Policy route. For this you will need Windows Pro or latter versions. If you are on Windows 10 Home, upgrade your system. There is no other way, and why won’t you upgrade to a version that enables Domain Join and Group Policy Management anyway? So, here is how.

Upgrade your Windows 10 system

You already know that in order to get rid of the Windows needs your current credentials popup you cannot be on Windows 10 Home anymore. So if you are running Windows 10 Home, this section is for you. Follow these very simple steps. The process is a little time consuming, that’s all.

1] Go to Settings.

2] Go to Update & security and via that, go to Activation.

3] Click the Change product key option in the right panel of the Activation window.